"Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” Jesus said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as your self.’ On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. — Matthew 22:36-40
A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl, but put it on its stand to give light to everyone in the house. - Matt. 5:14-15
St. John's lies in the heart of Boulder to offer sanctuary to seekers, sojourners and those who are settled. On the sidewalks of a city, the people's paths are woven together. Likewise, our sanctuary houses the prayers and concerns of those who have come before and those who remain today. Spiritual seekers can come here to release their worries into the prayers of the ages, the liturgy.
We come to the city to be among many, but here we can find ourselves most alone, even without a home. St. John's is here for those of us. Some of us are alienated by sexist theology and practices, or find ourselves with HIV or AIDS. St. John's is here for those of us, as well.
At our communion rail, seekers at all stages of their spiritual journey are welcome to find nourishment at the Lord's Table. Here, people can be shoulder to shoulder as the homeless and the housed, the hurting and the healer, the mystic and the mighty, the outcast and the innkeeper. In prayer, in friendship, in worship, on the labyrinth, but especially at the table, there is the chance to see through and perhaps even break down the barriers between people.
We are an inclusive church, and interfaith dialogue is part of our Christianity. Just as Jesus praised most loudly the Gentiles who petitioned him with great faith, so we at St. John's believe God has placed windows of true faith between the different houses of faith. We strive to appreciate different approaches to religion.
In the city, we can sometimes find ourselves misunderstood or unseen. At St. John's it is safe to put your lamp up on the stand. It's a place where those who want to be seen in their talents are welcomed into ministry. Parishioners lead most of our ministries, which range from contemplative to activist, with many programs for our growing number of children, youth and parents.
For seekers who wish simply to worship in privacy, a quiet walk can be had on our outdoor labyrinth, an ancient, winding path where one can focus on the still, quiet voice. Candles can be lit and offered at all times of the day in our Chapel of the Holy Family.
Our desire at St. John's is to offer our buildings and lawn, patio and people, as a place where seekers can find themselves beside still waters, refreshed for their faith journey.
